Cuban customs seizes shipment of drugs: "They attempt to introduce them for profit."

The General Customs of the Republic of Cuba announced the seizure of a shipment of medications that allegedly was being attempted to be brought into the country for profit-making purposes.

The Deputy Chief of Customs, William Pérez González, pointed out on his X account that the institution is making efforts to combat those seeking to profit from the smuggling of controlled drugs.

"The Cuban Customs rigorously combats the smuggling of controlled medications that irresponsible and unscrupulous individuals attempt to introduce into the country for profit, taking advantage of the current flexibilities," expressed Perez.

The confiscation of the drugs took place at a key point for controlling the entry of goods into the country, the José Martí International Airport in Havana, but authorities did not specify on which date.

The news comes in a context of a severe medication crisis in Cuba, where the demand for drugs is high and availability is limited. Neither pharmacies, polyclinics, nor hospitals on the island have the essential supplies for medical care.

The General Customs of the Republic reminded that customs facilities, which allow the importation without limits of value and exempt from taxes of essential products, including food, hygiene products, medications, and medical supplies, will remain valid until June 30, 2024.

The measure that aims to alleviate the shortage of essential products on the island, facilitating travelers to import these goods for personal and family use, could end at the end of this month.